The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands located behind the thyroid in your neck. They have a very distinct and separate function from the thyroid. They help regulate your calcium levels. When these glands don’t work properly, it can throw your calcium levels out of balance, leading to parathyroid and bone disorders. These conditions can be mild or serious, but with proper care, they are treatable.
The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands located behind the thyroid in your neck. They share a close proximity to the thyroid, which is why they are named “parathyroid”, however they have a very distinct and separate function from the thyroid.
These tiny glands cause significant effects in your body. They help regulate calcium levels in your blood by acting on the kidneys, bones and indirectly on the gut by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH).
When these glands don’t work properly, it can throw your calcium levels out of balance, leading to parathyroid and bone disorders. These conditions can be mild or serious, but with proper care, they are treatable.
This happens when the parathyroid glands produce too much Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), causing high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia) and often resulting in Osteoporosis (brittle bones) and kidney stones.
Causes include:
This rare condition occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too little PTH, leading to low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). Causes can include neck surgery, autoimmune conditions, or inherited disorders.
Symptoms vary depending on whether the parathyroid is overactive or underactive and predominantly occur in relation to the calcium level in your blood:
Hyperparathyroidism (too much PTH) may cause:
Hypoparathyroidism (too little PTH) may cause:
Even mild symptoms deserve attention—early care can prevent more serious problems
down the road.
Our endocrinology practice is proud to offer in-office ultrasound for the evaluation and diagnosis of parathyroid disorders, providing patients with timely, precise, and convenient care. High-resolution neck ultrasound allows us to identify parathyroid enlargement and related thyroid findings, often without the need for separate imaging appointments or exposure to radiation. By performing this diagnostic tool directly in our office, we can streamline care, accelerate diagnosis, and develop personalized treatment plans more efficiently—helping patients move forward with clarity and confidence.
Parathyroid disorders can leach calcium from the bone leading to brittle bones (Osteoporosis). The team at Utah Endocrinology Associates offers bone density screening in the office with state-of-the-art technology that uses Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). The low-level X-rays used during the DEXA scan measure your bone mineral density to provide early identification of osteoporosis.
If you notice unexplained fatigue, muscle cramps, bone pain, bone fracture, kidney stones, or mood changes, it’s a good idea to check in with an endocrinologist. Early care can prevent complications and help you feel your best. At Utah Endocrinology Associates, our team is highly trained in diagnosing and treating parathyroid disorders. We’ll work with you to restore balance, protect your bones, and support your overall health.
